Juvenile Bureau - (201) 833-0495

The Juvenile Bureau: The Juvenile Bureau comprises specially trained detectives who investigate matters involving juveniles, juvenile/family issues, criminal mischief, bicycle thefts, gang-related activity, incidents originating out of township schools, and all bias incidents. The bureau also is responsible for local Megan’s Law registration and enforcement. Furthermore, the bureau administers Title 2A:4A, The New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice within the township. This code aims to protect the public interest through education, rehabilitation, responsibility, and preserving family unity while steering juveniles away from the criminal justice system with a focus on guidance. These goals are achieved by substituting statutory consequences of delinquent behavior with specialized diversionary programs focusing on education, supervision, care, and a range of sanctions designed to promote juvenile accountability and protect the public. The Juvenile Bureau works with the Division of Criminal Justice, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the Bergen County Division of Family Guidance, the Teaneck Board of Education, as well as other state and local agencies, to ensure these goals are met. Members of the Juvenile Bureau maintain close relationships and work collaboratively with our public and private schools to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. Presentations are periodically made to students, parents, teachers, and others on a wide range of topics, including the perils of gangs, alcohol, and drug abuse, as well as safe social media/internet usage. A detective is assigned as a liaison to the Teaneck Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse. A uniformed detective is also assigned to Teaneck High School full-time as the School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO strives to create lasting bonds with students and is integral to the high school community.  The SRO acts as a positive role model that students can rely on for guidance and support through adolescence. Additionally, the bureau administers the L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) program in the township middle schools at the fifth-grade level. This ten-week curriculum educates students about making good choices and staying drug and alcohol-free. Members of the Juvenile Bureau also conduct employment background investigations and provide security during numerous court sessions and Council/Budget Meetings. The Juvenile Bureau oversees the safety and security of two major events annually in cooperation with Teaneck High School and the Board of Education: The Teaneck High School Prom Show-Off and the Teaneck High School Graduation Ceremony. Other Juvenile Bureau responsibilities include:

•         Administering Station House Adjustments (court diversion program).

•         Issuing Curbside Adjustments (minor infractions).

•         Assisting with implementation of the Junior Police Academy.

•         Participating in School Safety Drills at township schools.

•         Conducting youth counseling and family mediation.

•         Providing high school student mentoring.

•         Participating in the Teaneck High School’s annual career day/opportunities expo program.

•         Conducting referrals to local, county, and state agencies for counseling.

•         Conducting directed patrols of all schools throughout the Township.

•         Conducting training on Bias incidents and cultural diversity.